greenlight149

There's a pretty significant price difference between the two tires, and both have really good reviews, I'm running on the grand prix right now, so I'm wondering if its worth the extra money to get gp4000s ii for my next set. Any one tried both?

The only difference I can see is the different breaker used in the tires, but both claim to not affect rolling resistance, and the grand prix doesn't seem to have more punctures from the reviews.

Canadian_giant

I have the Grand Prix's and LOVE them. Quiet and durable (and cheaper). Both are great, the only complaint I have seen about the 4000's are sidewall blowouts. Is it any more than other tire brands? I doubt it.

Fastfwd01

I'm eyeing some of the GP 4000 II myself. A bit pricey just to have around for riding in organized events vs. my Gatorskins that I've been riding on and have had ZERO flats with since I switched.

greenlight149

So why are the grand prix cheaper, that's my question. The gp4000s must have some sort of advantage right? They both use the same compound, the breakers are different but doesn't seem like the grand prix are any more prone to punctures.

redlude97

Weight and suppleness. The GP is 280g and the GP4s is 205g. The vectran is thinner and more flexible while being just as puncture resistant. Go to a store and play with both and its pretty evident

greenlight149

I think the GP is 225g, the gp4000s is 215g. So the difference in price is just due to the breaker?

After a second look, the gp4000s does have higher TPI, which would contribute to the flexibility.

mercator

In my experience (4 pairs of GPs, 8 pairs of GP4000s) the GP4000s have a longer tread life and a bit better puncture resistance.
I've also experienced my share of sidewall cuts on the GP4000s.

redlude97

woops must have quoted the wire bead version. still as you noticed, weight, breaker and higher tpi casing are the reason for the price difference

rpenmanparker 

23 mm GP4000s weigh 205 g each. The Grand Prix weighs 225 in that size. Small difference. The casing thread count of 110 vs 60 per ply is a big thing though.

greenlight149

so if one isnt racing, then do these benefits justify the cost of gp4000s over the GP?

redlude97

If you are racing, you aren't likely using either tire, and are on tubulars instead. Both are made for training group rides etc. THe GP4s is way more popular though, well because over the life of the tire the cost really isn't that significantly higher.

Flyingblind9

I personally have used the GP4000S and the GP4000S II. Both are great tires. I love the suppleness of them along with their puncture resistance. The only reason I had to retire one after only 1200 miles was because the sidewall was bulging after I rubbed up on something. The other tire in the set is still going and it has closer to 1800mi on it now. As for cost difference, it really is not a significant jump to the GP4000S tires. You can get them at some places for around $45.

Leinster

My front 4000s has about 3000 miles on it, including some time as a rear tire, and is about due for a change. I have a newer 4000s on the back. They're great tires, they roll a lot smoother than my old Gatorskins, and are a world removed from the Schwalbes that came with my bike.

A riding buddy just got the 4000s2 and installed them, and just with your hand you can feel a noticeable difference in the softness of the rubber. He's very happy with what he paid for his new tire.

greenlight149

I think I'll give the gp4000s ii a try for my next set, but the lbs is asking 160 for a pair, I might need to buy online.

Leinster

Yes you do. Merlin has them for $75 a pair, with 2 tubes thrown in. Even if the tubes suck, it's a bargain.

greenlight149

Is Merlin good for shipping to Canada? I haven't used them before.

mercator

I would say Merlin is f-ing awesome for shipping to Canada. Just ordered a new groupset last Saturday - it arrived today (that's 4 days!). Usually takes 2 weeks when I order from PBK or Chainreaction.

anotherbrian

I just bought a pair of 28mm's (256g and 257g) from Wiggle for ~$87, free shipping, took a week to get to California.

They measure 30.5mm on my Belgium rims. Can't say they're much better than the 25's they replaced after one 40mi ride, but no regrets yet.

achoo

Wut?

Who sponsors you? Who's your mechanic that changes your tires?

While tubulars are common in races, I'd say they're still in the minority, and by FAR in the minority in cat 4/5 races.